Web buzz over local AT&T outage

Official update from a press release sent by Sue Sperry of Fleishman Hillard for AT&T Corporate Communications:

"I would like to give you an update on the issue today so you can update the story on your site. AT&T experienced a network issue affecting customers with 2G service in the New Orleans metro area. The issue occurred just before noon and was restored just after 3:00 p.m."

-- Update --

KaylaC via Twitter: "Just got word from AT&T rep: Problem was a 2G/Edge network issue, not a tower. Should be substantially resolved now."

Earlier:

According to user reports on Twitter and LiveJournal, AT&T service in the New Orleans area is down. When contacted, a local AT&T representative didn't confirm anything other than a "large outage" affecting the area.

Comments included:

Lauren S via Facebook: AT&T has a downed tower causing service interruption at least in the Uptown area. Don't go to the store...just wait.

KaylaC via Twitter: "AT&T has been having problems here all day. They had told us it was fixed, but lots of people still can't make calls."

WarriorEngineer via Twitter: "@KaylaC I have no cell or edge service, and no one does"

Kymmie Moran through LiveJournal: "Seems that the New Orleans AT&T Cell Towers are down...everyone in the New Orleans area that has AT&T (Cingular) is without cell service...the guy on the phone says it may be up to 24 hours until service is restored...."